MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – It was a romance of epic proportions that lasted a full six years, one that has never been seen before in the political arena anywhere in the world. It is the romance (or bromance) between Philippine President NoyNoy Aquino and his anointed successor, former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas.

Flashback to the 2010 elections: Roxas was a candidate for president for the Liberal Party, but made the ultimate sacrifice to be the VP candidate instead  to give way to Aquino.  Aquino won the presidency but Roxas lost the VP race to former Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay.

The romance continued, with Roxas being appointed to various key positions including Transportation Secretary and Interior Secretary. Roxas was a mouthpiece for Aquino’s Daang Matuwid (Straight Path), the administration’s so-so campaign against government corruption.

But the romance has abruptly ended, and Aquino is heartbroken. He is reportedly very depressed and has increased his cigarette smoking from one to three packs a day. He hasn’t been seen in public since.

Roxas initiated the breakup after polls consistently indicated that Aquino’s endorsement of Roxas as his successor has not helped the latter’s prospects in catching up in the ratings race. As to the impact of the President’s endorsement, another survey found that Roxas may not benefit at all from it. An SWS survey last November found that the endorsement had a negative impact on Roxas. This result may have prompted Roxas to revise his campaign strategy by stepping out of the shadow of the President and defining himself as someone other than an Aquino clone.

Will Roxas rise in future polls? It remains to be seen.

Roxas’ campaign is getting ready to launch a new campaign battlecry: Tuwirin ang baluktot na daan (Straighten the crooked path). Stay tuned!